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Biomedical subjects

Phillip N Blondeel

Publications and source records attributed to Phillip N Blondeel.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

The latero-central glandular pedicle technique for breast reduction.

The relatively high number of complications and disadvantages of the conventional techniques in breast reduction combined with our expertise in restoring sensation in breast reconstructive procedures, led to the development of a new technique that was crystallised from the traditional techniques and is able to overcome most of their disadvantages. The key issue of the technique is that the nipple is vascularised and innervated on a column of glandular tissue that remains in contact in its posterior part with the pectoralis muscle and its perforators and in its lateral aspect to the lateral pillar of breast tissue. Due to the ptosis that develops during the process of hypertrophy, this column will gain sufficient length to be turned upwards into the new position of the nipple. Resection of glandular tissue is performed cranially, medial and inferior to this column. Undermining of the skin is reduced to an absolute minimum and glandular resections are always performed in the shape of a wedge. In this way, undermining of the breast gland over the pectoralis muscle is avoided. The glandular pedicles are sutured together after loosely fitting the glandular cone with the nipple into its new position. The long term results of the first 68 cases were reviewed and compared to our experience with the superior dermal pedicle technique combined with the vertical scar as described by Lassus and later by Lejour. Due to increased vascularisation of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC), wound complications were markedly reduced with the new technique. Sensation in the NAC was preserved in almost all cases. There was a high satisfaction about the obtained aesthetical results in regard to shape and volume. Increased viability of the NAC, a reduced rate of wound complications and preservation of sensation in NAC are the main advantages of this technique. Additionally, flattening of the NAC is avoided by the support by glandular tissue behind the NAC that improves projection and hereby the aesthetic conic appearance of both breast and nipple.

Adult↗

Better cosmetic results and comparable quality of life after skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate autologous breast reconstruction compared to breast conservative treatment.

Preoperative chemotherapy (PCT) can be used in large primary breast cancer to facilitate breast conservative surgery (BCS). Cosmetic results of BCS are influenced by the size of the residual tumour, relative to the size of the breast. After mastectomy, immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) with autologous tissue provides excellent cosmetic outcome and has proven to be safe in breast cancer patients. Besides improving overall and disease free survival, Quality of Life (QoL), body image and cosmetic outcome are also important issues after treatment for breast cancer. In this study, Health-Related-Quality of Life (HRQL) and body image were evaluated, in patients treated with PCT, followed by BCS, or skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) and perforator-flap breast reconstruction. Additionally, clinical observers assessed cosmetic outcome. All participants were evaluated by the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) 36-item Short Form Health Status Survey (SF-36, 36 items) and a study-specific questionnaire. An external panel evaluated standardised photographs of the breasts. For all patients, norm-based scores of physical and mental health state are comparable with the general population, except for vitality (VT) score, which is somewhat lower. No significant differences can be observed between both groups. The majority of the patients were satisfied with the appearance of their breasts. The cosmetic results, assessed by the clinical team, were significantly better for patients having IBR, compared to BCS. The mean score was 7.5/10 for IBR, versus 6.0/10 for BCS (p<0.0001).Breast conserving treatment or mastectomy with reconstruction may yield comparable results of QoL, but cosmetic outcome is better after SSM and perforator-flap reconstruction. Patients must be offered both options, and clinicians should stress that both are equally effective.

Adult↗

Perforator flap terminology: update 2002.

The first terminology consensus on perforator flaps, reached in 2001, was reviewed and further simplified following the Sixth International Course on Perforator Flaps.

Humans↗

Soft tissue reconstruction with the superior gluteal artery perforator flap.

The development of the perforator flap technique revolutionized the practice of soft tissue transfer. The main goal of this technique is muscle sparing at the donor site for function and strength. Meanwhile, this concept is being widely applied for reconstruction of tissues throughout the entire body. Perforator flaps are the ultimate upgrade of the well-known myocutaneous flaps. Theoretically, any myocutaneous flap can be harvested as a perforator flap if skin resurfacing is needed. Although the DIEP flap, the anterolateral thigh flap, and the TAP flap are probably more frequently used for breast, trunk, and upper and lower limb reconstruction, as well as head and neck reconstruction, the SGAP flap takes its own position in the large group of perforator flaps and has its own specific indications.

Buttocks↗

The "Gent" consensus on perforator flap terminology: preliminary definitions.

Due to its increasing popularity, more and more articles on the use of perforator flaps have been reported in the literature during the past few years. Because the area of perforator flaps is new and rapidly evolving, there are no definitions and standard rules on terminology and nomenclature, which creates confusion when surgeons try to communicate and compare surgical techniques. This article attempts to represent the opinion of a group of pioneers in the field of perforator flap surgery. This consensus was reached after a terminology consensus meeting held during the Fifth International Course on Perforator Flaps in Gent, Belgium, on September 29, 2001. It stipulates not only the definitions of perforator vessels and perforator flaps but also the correct nomenclature for different perforator flaps. The authors believe that this consensus is a foundation that will stimulate further discussion and encourage further refinements in the future.

Humans↗

The role of biological markers as predictors of response to preoperative chemotherapy in large primary breast cancer.

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate biological markers, their correlation with response and outcome, and the change in these markers under the influence of preoperative chemotherapy (PCT) in patients with a large primary breast cancer. One hundred and thirty-five women were treated with PCT, followed by locoregional therapy and adjuvant treatment. Estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PgR), HER-2, p53, and cathepsin D were determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) before and after PCT. The overall response (OR) was 70% and the pathologic complete response (pCR) was 13%. Forty-four percent of the patients could be offered breast-conserving surgery (BCS). At a median follow-up of 50 mo the overall survival is 82% and the disease-free survival is 70%. No local recurrence (LR) has developed following BCS. Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) was more frequently ER-negative and HER-2-positive than invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC). P53-negative and ER-negative patients seemed to be more chemosensitive compared to p53-positive patients (74% vs 53%) and ER-positive patients (75% vs 65%), but this difference did not reach statistical significance. A trend toward higher complete pathologic remission rate was seen for ER-negative patients (p = 0.0609). PgR, HER-2, and cathepsin D were not related to response. The pattern of biological markers did not change with PCT, making repeated determination useless.

Adult↗